Change is Simple Raises $75,000 For Environmental Sustainability Youth Education Programming at “FASHION OF CHANGE 2017”

BEVERLY, Mass – Oct, 2017

In its 5th annual Fashion of Change fundraiser to benefit environmental sustainability education, Change is Simple, Inc. successfully raised more than $75,000 to help fund the hands-on, integrated programming it activates at North Shore and Greater Boston elementary schools throughout the year. The amount raised surpassed last year’s level by 50 percent.

Once again set amid the lush greenery at Cell Signaling Technology’s headquarters in Danvers, the fundraiser provides vital funds that allow Change is Simple to operate. The non-profit was started by Lauren and Patrick Belmonte, who created a series of curriculum modules that combine environmental science, technology, engineering, math and even current events into practical, team-based programs designed for elementary students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade. The modules are rooted in every-day challenges like following rainfall as it migrates through an average city or calculating the carbon footprint of an apple picked in Chile and shipped to a local grocery store. These exercises demonstrate how real life decisions can have big impact to personal health, communities and the health of the planet.

“Our programs masquerade as hands-on, fun versions of what’s being taught in the classroom but our teachers say it’s much more than that,” said Change is Simple founder Patrick Belmonte. “The programs amplify what students are learning because the challenges are rooted in everyday life and integrate different courses and, in the end, the programs empower kids by showing them they can make a difference.”

A Night To Remember: “It All Adds Up”

In fact, the theme of this year’s fundraiser, “It All Adds Up” highlighted just how much small changes to daily habits can add up to create large overall environmental impact. Six local students who have participated in Change is Simple’s school programs were on hand at the event and featured in a video produced for guests. They shared in their own words the big effect Change is Simple’s program had on them, how they see the world and how their individual behavioral changes in daily life do, “All Add Up”.

Each child and a Change is Simple college mentor wore a T-Shirt with a number representing individual impacts in a certain area (i.e. energy, water, lowering carbon footprint, waste etc.) and the video explained the impact all kids taught this program have in a day, and in a year, and how dramatically these numbers grow and have impact on our world over time. (View the full video here.) The children then greeted the crowd from the stage and mingled with guests.

Patrick Belmonte and DJ Jay Foss hosted the evening’s live auction which included: a private flight to Nantucket for dinner; a weekend in the Berkshires; dinner for 10 hosted by the Fashion of Change Committee; and a Ski Sugarbush Winter Getaway. For the first time, the organization also set up an online auction with 40 items which launched two weeks prior to the event and closed October 2nd with offerings from fishing charters, to ballet tickets.

Introducing “Changemakers”

Change is Simple Founders Lauren and Patrick Belmonte announced milestones from six years of teaching, including the collective education of 17,000 students since 2011. They also announced future initiatives to expand current programming to new schools and communities with the development of a new fundraising leadership society for donors at $1000 and above. This society, named ‘Changemakers’ has kicked off with seven Charter Members who have raised $50K; the organization is seeking an additional 50 Changemakers by the end of 2017. This $1000 level funds an entire classroom for a year.

Guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres by Wenham Tea House/Fresh Food Catering, beer from Ipswich Ale Brewery, wine from 90+ Cellars, dessert by Half Baked Cafe, and music by Jay Foss Music. This year’s Lead Sponsors included: Cell Signaling Technology, Beverly Crossing, Blyth Consulting Group, Salem Five; Media Partner was Northshore Magazine. All proceeds from the evening go toward Change is Simple education programs in local elementary schools. Change is Simple is funded through grants, individual donations and corporate support.

Images from the event by Sam Dellicker Photography can be viewed here.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Amy Holland Crafton

Change is Simple, Inc.

8 Enon Street, Beverly MA 01915

Cell: 617.901.5171

amy@changeissimple.org

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About Change is Simple: The organization’s mission is to instill lifelong social and environmental responsibility in children through experiential and project-based learning that inspires critical thinking and action for healthy people, planet & community. They partner with schools to bring sustainability education to elementary students in Eastern, MA, and have engaged over 17,000 local students to date. Among other awards, Change is Simple, Inc. won the Greater Beverly Chamber Non Profit of the Year Award in 2017. For more information visit changeissimple.org.

The Story of Change is Simple: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTXTPJeC2LE&feature=youtu.be

Key achievements during the past 5 YEARS:

2012 Governor Deval Patrick participates in the program, calling it “innovative and profoundly important”.

2013 Cummings Foundation $100,000 grant is awarded to Change is Simple, Inc. allowing them to bring this education to all Beverly and Woburn elementary schools for two years.

2014 MA Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs ‘Excellence in Environmental Education’ is awarded to Change is Simple, Inc.

2015 CiS establishes a composting program for a middle school lunchroom - reduces landfill trash by 40,000 lbs. annually.

2016 Change is Simple embarks on new strategic initiatives

2017 Change is Simple wins Greater Beverly Non Profit of the Year Award, and Project Green Schools Award

www.changeissimple.org

How It All Adds Up: https://vimeo.com/236824674

CiS Students: https://vimeo.com/145726202

Teacher Testimonials: https://vimeo.com/110175683